Federer lost his most fearsome competition with Marat and Rafael out. All of the exciting young players who were to take this year by storm are out (except for Marcos). Sesil got suspended. Martina H. is an exciting comeback but what she did to Vera of the New Russians was just sad. All of the Czechs I've been tracking are out (except for Nicole). I don't even know who to root for other than Roger.

And, on top of it all, I can't download any torrents and I have a new computer

how is this the most exciting AO when several real contenders to the crown withdrew
its like watching the inevitable
its not like any of the young crop was going to win the title but maybe progress further & maybe make a couple of shock wins
Hingis returning breathed new life in WTA

my take on things is that in the second week like last year the matches on centre and that are really exciting and close contests.

but in the first few days the ones that are shown on tv are mismatches on centre and theyre really boring. but that doesn't mean the tournament is boring, the best matches are the matches on margeret court arena or the show courts because they are the closest contests with louder crowds.

It's all a matter of perspective. There have been some very exciting matches if you have watched them eg. Hewitt v Vik, Baghdatis v Stepanek, and Kiefer v Srichaphan for example. And I have been lucky to have seen all three of these on our broadcasts in Oz.

Plus the Malisse v Johansson match (which is on now) is very exciting if you are watching that.

If you were unable to see these than I guess some of the other clashes have been relatively one sided but it's often the case in early round action at the slams.

But, with 3 of the big guns not playing, I can't see this tournament being as exciting as last years AO mens which had so many thrilling battles in the 2nd week. Thank heavens there are lots of potential great match ups in the womens to generate interest! Go Hingis!